Council workers in Flintshire have spent more than 2,000 days on suspension in the last three years, following allegations of gross misconduct which included sexual harassment and assault.

The figures, which were released following a Freedom of Information request, show that more than six years’ worth of working days have been lost as a result of the suspensions since July 2012.

Of the 20 cases documented, most took place in 2014, with two in 2012 and just one in 2013.

The longest suspensions began in July 2012, when two employees working in the environment department were suspended for 450 and 480 days over allegations of financial breaches.

In December 2013, a member of staff from community services was suspended for 250 days following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Flintshire council says that, in some cases, suspension was paid while investigations were carried out, but says it is unable to comment on individual cases.

According to the data, an environment employee was suspended for 175 days in January 2014 following allegations of sexual harassment.

A month later, two members of staff from the same department were disciplined for 70 days each over claims of theft, while another three similar cases that year led to a total of 52 days’ suspension.

Two employees from community services were suspended for more than 100 days each over allegations that they had breached procedure, and another colleague was given 57 days’ suspension for a breach of social media.

The most recent cases were from December 2014, when two workers were disciplined for assault. One of the suspensions was rescinded.

Colin Everett, Flintshire council’s chief executive, said: “The council expects high standards of conduct, behaviour and performance for its employees, and is committed to ensuring that all allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action taken where necessary.

“There may be instances where suspension from work with pay is necessary while investigations are carried out.

“We are unable to comment on individual cases but some may take longer to investigate because of the complexity of the case.”